What is 4/7 - 6/12?

Here's how to subtract 6/12 from 4/7:

4

7

−

6

12

Step 1

We can't subtract two fractions with different denominators. So you need to get a common denominator. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 4 by 12, and get 48.

Then we multiply 6 by 7, and get 42.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 7 × 12 = 84.

So now our fractions look like this:

48

84

−

42

84

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

48 − 42 = 6

So the answer is:

6

84

Step 3

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?

To find out, we try dividing it by 2...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

6

84

÷ 2 =

3

42

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it: